Victoria Tasmania District of the Lutheran Church of Australia

1201 Riversdale Road
Box Hill South VIC 3128
Phone 03 9236 1200

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Meet the Two Mugs

Who are the Two Mugs?
We are Pastor John Weier (Warracknabeal) and Pastor Geoff Schefe (Horsham).

How did Two Mugs come about?
Pr John was to lead one of the devotional worship services at Continuing Education for Pastors (CEP) in April 2018.  Between us we decided that we wanted to ‘do something different’.  We brewed an idea to have a conversational look at the chosen text which was Psalm 42.  The positive feedback from that experience emboldened us to consider doing more messages in that style.                        We even talked about getting technical and doing some kind of recording.

Why the name, Two Mugs?
John and I are both coffee fanatics, and not just your undersized latté either, it has to be mug sized!

How long have we been doing Two Mugs?
We began very rudimentary recordings for Advent in 2018.  The first was done on John’s mobile phone in his echoey dining room.  We soon realized that we had to investigate better technology, mainly based on helpful critical reviews from several friendly, faithful friends.  So we up-scaled technology with better cameras, better microphones and better lighting.  And we got better at what we were doing, becoming much more comfortable in our overall aim, which is to bring the Word of God to people in a relaxed, conversational way.  We were even asked to give a live example of our work, leading the opening service of the LWV (Lutheran Women of Victoria) Wimmera-Mallee zone rally in 2019, discussing ‘Treasures in Clay Jars’ (2 Corinthians 4).

The COVID-19 restrictions on public worship provided an ideal avenue for us to use technology like YouTube to spread the Gospel message and remind people that church buildings were shut, but the work of The Church continues – undaunted.

Along the way we have developed such a rapport we are like brothers.  One begins a sentence or idea and the other finishes it.

The most enjoyable thing about doing Two Mugs?
We laugh – a lot – and laughter is good.  I believe we both enjoy that brotherly gift of being able to ‘bounce things off each other’ and come up with the same conclusions. We seem to think on very similar wavelengths.  And did I mention that we laugh a lot?

We have both found that our time together has proved psychologically therapeutic.  We have sometimes met up feeling a bit down but have invariably finished our planning or recording session on a high.  Oh, and we laugh a lot!

Can we, will we continue if/when my call to New Zealand becomes a reality?

Our intention is to get even more techy and continue – when and how we are able.

God is good – He will make a way.

By Pastors John Weier and Geoff Schefe – Two Mugs Productions.

Pr Geoff and Pr John doing their thing

Pr Geoff and Pr John doing their thing

 

You can find the most recent Two Mugs video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUNl4dtOfB8

Geelong Lutheran College – Head of College Retires

GLC Head of College Retires, Chooses Geelong as Home

At the end of last year, Geelong Lutheran College (GLC) bid a fond farewell to its outgoing Head of College, Ms Jill Lange-Mohr OAM.

Following in the footsteps of her predecessors, Ms Lange-Mohr OAM has chosen to remain residing in the Geelong region, rather than return to her home state of Queensland, where she lived prior to commencing at GLC in 2018.

“Geelong holds a special place in my heart, and it’s more than just a professional chapter coming to a close. This community has become an integral part of my life, and I am delighted to call it home now.”

Past Principals Mr Alan Wiebusch, Mr Les Sieffert, Mr Brian Schultz, Mr Dave Nordbrock, Mr Gary Jewson and now Ms Lange-Mohr OAM have all chosen Geelong as home following their tenures as Principals of the St John’s Newtown and Armstrong Creek campuses, having originally resided in Queensland, regional Victoria and South Australia before beginning at the College.

This choice to settle in Geelong is not merely a testament to the geographical appeal of the region, but it underscores the strong bonds the College’s educational leaders have formed with the local community.

Ms Lange-Mohr OAM’s retirement marks the end of an era for the College, with the retitled role of Executive Principal seamlessly passed to Principal, Ms Sue Ellis.

Ms Lange-Mohr OAM has been a driving force behind the success of Geelong Lutheran College in recent years, leaving an indelible mark on the College’s legacy. Her tenure has been characterised by visionary leadership and a relentless pursuit of excellence, culminating in significant achievements and growth for the institution. Under her guidance, the College has witnessed a remarkable increase in enrolment, experiencing a staggering growth of over 40% over the past five years.

With her wealth of experience and understanding of the College, Ms Ellis is well-poised to take on the responsibilities of Executive Principal. The decision to appoint her to this role reflects not only her capabilities, but also the existing strong working relationship between her and Ms Lange-Mohr OAM over the past few years. This collaboration has been a key factor in the College’s success, and it sets the stage for a seamless transition.

In reflecting on her retirement, Ms Lange-Mohr expressed confidence in Ms Ellis’s ability to lead GLC into the future.

“Sue and I have worked closely over the past several years, and her commitment to the values of the College aligns seamlessly with our mission. I am confident that under her leadership, Geelong Lutheran College will continue to thrive and provide an exceptional learning environment for students in the Geelong region.”

Ms Ellis acknowledged the significance of the moment in accepting the GLC leadership torch.

“I am honored to follow in the footsteps of someone as dedicated and visionary as Jill Lange-Mohr. The success of the College is a testament to her leadership, and I am committed to preserving and enhancing the legacy she leaves behind.”

“Our collaboration has been instrumental in the College’s achievements, and I am excited about the opportunity to lead Geelong Lutheran College into its next chapter.”

Pictured above: GLC’s new Executive Principal Ms Sue Ellis and outgoing Head of College Ms Lange-Mohr OAM in November 2023.

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails

It was with much joy and excitement that members of Outer Eastern and Doncaster-Ivanhoe congregations came together on Sunday April 3 for the installation of one of our members, Ed Blow into word and sacrament ministry at Immanuel Lilydale. Ed has been licenced for word and sacrament ministry by Bishop Lester Priebbenow, and was installed by Pastor Brett Kennett. We give praise and thanks to God for this wonderful gift he has given us in Ed.

How did this all happen?

During 2018 Doncaster-Ivanhoe Congregation approached the District to see if any congregation would be willing to enter a pastor sharing arrangement with them. This was an outcome of the transition ministry conducted by Pastor Greg Pietsch with Doncaster-Ivanhoe. Outer Eastern and Pastor Tom Peitsch accepted this challenge, with Pastor Tom being willing to accept this change to his call.

Both congregations are small, with Doncaster-Ivanhoe only able to support a part time pastor. Outer Eastern was also preparing for the retirement of Pastor Tom in June of 2020 and the possibility that we might not be able to support a full time ministry. This arrangement worked well with Pastor Tom conducting two services at Trinity Doncaster, and six services at Immanuel, Lilydale and Open Door, Croydon each month.

In 2018 Outer Eastern congregation also requested DCC to conduct a review of ministry in the eastern region of Melbourne to see how congregations might better work together and share limited resources. This was part of our preparation for Pastor Tom’s retirement.
Outer Eastern Church Council decided not to call a pastor until the review was completed to enable us to adapt for change.

Then COVID struck in March 2020 and the lockdowns began. We all learnt to adapt and worship using our TV’s and computers and other electronic devices. Outer Eastern consolidated services at Lilydale as we were not able to use the Luther College Chapel.

COVID also held up the Eastern Region Review and the decision to establish an Eastern Metropolitan Region Leaders Forum, based on the model currently being used by the Greater Geelong congregations, was proposed in January 2022. A meeting of pastors and congregational leaders was held on March 24 and the decision was made to proceed with the Forum. This will be a wonderful way for us all to work together in mission and worship.

You will have read Bishop Lester’s letters regarding pastor vacancies in Victoria and the shortage of pastors in the LCA generally. This was a consideration as our church council looked at options available to continue our mission within our community. One of our main concerns was to ensure that members were able to receive communion regularly and we requested assurance from the Bishop that we would be supported with a pastor led service at least every three months.

In December Ed Blow approached church council to share that he felt humbly and strongly called to serve and support Outer Eastern Congregation with word and sacrament. Ed had completed divinity studies many years ago but had chosen not to be ordained at that time.
Ed has been working with Pastor Brett Kennett and Bishop Lester since December 2021 regarding this Call. Pastor Tom Peitsch has agreed to be Ed’s mentor. The congregation unanimously supported the decision to call Ed to become licensed for word and sacrament ministry at Outer Eastern Lutheran Church.

We have been working together with Doncaster-Ivanhoe during this time in the spirit of our Pastor Sharing Agreement. Ed has indicated that he is also willing to serve at Doncaster-Ivanhoe, and we hope to have a continuing, close, and collaborative relationship with each other.

I have learnt that no matter how much we plan or organise we never know what God has planned for us.

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

Blessings
Sabine Haeusler
Chairperson
Outer Eastern Lutheran Church Council

St Paul’s Box Hill – ​​​​​​​Dedication of New Buildings

 

For some years, St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Box Hill watched as the area around them was sold and redeveloped at a great pace into a sea of towers and high density living. Mission seemed exciting but access to their church, which they had built in 1953-54, was becoming difficult, and parking almost impossible especially during the week. They pursued several options but then came a ‘God-moment’ for them – St James Uniting Church at 1201 Riversdale Road was for sale, and the site included a carpark over the road. The purchase was finalised in October 2018, after a very successful sale of their property in Box Hill.

It then became a project of love to restore this church for their current needs because it had a heritage overlay, due to its notable early modernist, mid-century architecture designed by the prominent architect David Chancellor of Chancellor & Patrick. The exterior of the church needed to be retained in its entirety – but an exemption was granted by Whitehorse Council for the front entry. The interior was extensively renovated and it is now an inspiring and beautiful worship home which will serve the congregation well for many years ahead. The church was re-dedicated in 2020.

However, the rest of the buildings on the site were unsuitable for the needs of St Paul’s congregation, and for the two other entities who wished to join St Paul’s on the same site. They are the Chinese Lutheran Church, formerly meeting at Doncaster, and the head offices of the Lutheran Church of Australia, Victorian and Tasmania District. And so St Paul’s Centre was born, with planning for the extension commencing soon after purchase. This was interrupted during the Covid years and an explosion in building costs. The congregation engaged the same architectural firm they had used for the church renovation, Law Architects, and they have done fine work in extending the church space into large community and office areas – all the time preserving the integrity of the original church design including its façade.

During August, the congregations will move all their activities and staff into the centre, with the District following in November.  It will be formally dedicated on 14 September, but members are already enjoying the space and warmth of their new home.

Do feel free to visit us and inspect our new premises, and enjoy some hospitality. God’s goodness and grace to us needs to be shared!

Local Mission, a department of the LCA

Background
Local Mission in the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) is about
‘growing as God’s people’ and ‘going as God’s people’ – the first
two priorities in the LCA Our Direction 2018-2024.

How we serve
Local Mission provides leadership and support to nurture a growing
missional culture in the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand.
We promote, resource and coordinate participation in God’s mission
in bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to all people. We assist
individuals, families and communities to lead people to Christ and
to grow people in Christ.

Under the oversight of the Council for Local Mission we are
organised as mission ‘departments’, each of which is supported
by a mission-focused committee:

Contact us
Local Mission Executive Office
• information about church planting,
creating missional communities,
and forming missional leaders
• advice on renewing congregational life,
going as God’s people, growing as
God’s people, and communicating Christ
• suggestions for improving intergenerational
and cross-cultural ministry, and ministry
with the ageing.

General Enquiries
localmission@lca.org.au
08 8267 7300

Constitutions

The LCANZ model constitutions for congregations and parishes were updated in 2018 to reflect more contemporary governance models. It is recommended church councils review their constitutions about every five years to ensure relevance and also in order to inform all members of the constitution and by-laws that govern decision making.

You can read more information on the LCANZ website at https://www.lca.org.au/services-resources-training/model-constitutions-parishes-congregations/

In the Victoria Tasmania District District Church Council have appointed a sub-committee to assist congregations through the review of constitutions. You can contact the District Constitutions Committee via District Administrator Stephen Mildred stephen.mildred@lca.org.au.

Download Cover Note to Constitutions HERE
Download Model Constitution HERE

Changes to the constitution must be presented to the Congregation at a properly convened congregational meeting. It is suggested that your Working Group share a draft with the Victorian Constitutions Committee, before going to a formal vote of your Parish/Congregation, to get any relevant input. When the Constitution has passed a formal meeting, please provide the revised constitution and the relevant minutes to District Church Council via the District Administrator, for formal approval.

The Australian Charities and Not for profit Commission (ACNC) will will require a copy of the minutes of the meeting at which the constitution was changed and they need to see that a ‘special resolution’ was passed (as required in the constitution for all constitution changes).

Once the constitution is approved by your congregation/parish two signed copies need to be forwarded to the District Office. It is then ratified and signed by District Church Council and then returned to you for lodgement with the ACNC. An electronic copy of the constitution is retained by the District Office.

Martin Luther Homes awarded ‘Aged Care Provider of the Year VIC’ for the second time

Martin Luther Homes is a culturally diverse not-for-profit organisation with a retirement village as well as a modern residential aged care facility. It is located on a magnificent 12-acre property at the foothills of Mount Dandenong in Melbourne’s outer east and have been a local aged care provider since the 1950s with a particular focus on the German-speaking community. The team at Martin Luther Homes is united by a passion for the loving care of elderly citizen.

Throughout the decades, Martin Luther Homes has stayed true to the vision of their founding fathers, who had a clear focus on the individual in mind. In their mission statement, the organisation pledge to always be dedicated to the residents and staff and, within a Lutheran Christian environment, to strive to continuously improve standards of living and care, while aiming to provide a safe working environment for the employees. Their values are, among other things, based on Christian principles such as respect, dignity and spiritual care.

In October this year, Martin Luther Homes reached a milestone in getting awarded the title ‘Aged Care Provider of the Year VIC’ for the second time. Back in 2018, they also received this title for Victoria. The award is given out by the peak aged care organisation ACSA and ‘recognises a residential, community care or retirement village provider that demonstrates outstanding leadership, management, workforce culture, innovation, communication and excellence in the aged care industry’.

On receiving the award, Martin Luther Homes CEO Birgit Goetz said, “It is such a privilege to get this award for the second time. All the nominated providers are doing such wonderful things to keep the quality of life up for the residents despite the pandemic. I’m so proud of my staff and of what they and we as a team have been able to achieve in this challenging time.”

The resilience of the staff Martin Luther Homes in the past year(s) can best be shown with the story of getting a Tovertafel. This is an innovative device that uses light and sound to create different games. It is a very stimulating experience, particularly for residents with dementia. The idea to purchase the Tovertafel came from a group of staff. At the start of 2020, they made the bold plan to fundraise the money needed. However, the pandemic soon put an end to all the ideas. Coming up with the money during times of uncertainty and with no options of public fundraising events was a great challenge. However, the team decided to keep trying and shifted all their efforts online.

Goetz said: “It was a roller-coaster for everyone involved but it was great to see the resilience of our staff and the support from our community. Together we achieved our goal! The purchase of the Tovertafel also shows the community spirit we have at Martin Luther Homes. Even in the most difficult year, our staff stood together and pursued their idea of enhancing our residents’ quality of life.”

In addition to being named 2021 Aged Care Provider of the Year (Victoria), Martin Luther Homes could also secure a spot as a finalist in the category “Innovation in Service or Design VIC”, an achievement that was based on their investment in innovations. This includes a very unique car called Herbie which has been specifically designed for people with dementia.

Martin Luther Homes believes that in the 21st Century, aged care and innovation need to go hand-in-hand. That is why they are always looking towards the future by working on ideas, projects, and concepts to improve the well-being of the residents and making the organisation an even better place to live in and work at.

By Marlene Franke
People, Culture and Communications Officer

Sale of District Office at Box Hill has been agreed

Sale of District Office at Box Hill has been agreed

A journey that commenced five years ago has reached another exciting milestone.

In late-2017 due to concerns about the ageing Office building the joint District Property Working Group recommended that District Office be relocated to a building with up-to-date safety requirements and more street and on-site parking available.

Several options including to buy an existing building a little further out, construct a building, possibly build on ‘spare’ school land, or to co-locate with St Paul’s Box Hill at their proposed new Box Hill South development were considered.  In mid-2018 the Working Group recommended to proceed with co-location with St Paul’s at Box Hill South. District Office will lease office space from St Paul’s.

The Working Group also resolved the stewardship dilemma of how to preserve capital value and growth of District Office funds from property sale, so in future decades the District would still have an option to have own its own building if required.  This will be achieved through investing in a range of Managed Funds via Mercer (who handle Lutheran Super investments).  The Strategy was affirmed by Lutheran Actuary Alan Truslove.

We are committed to co-location and partnering between LCAVD and LEVNT with St Paul’s at Box Hill South and now also the Chinese Lutheran Church of Victoria.

The plan also makes available $500,000 for Mission and Ministry (into the New, Renewing & Changing Churches Fund).

The plan for District to co-locate at the new Box Hill South building has now been discussed at two Conventions of Synod – Feb 2019 and May 2021.

There are good stewardship reasons why it makes sense and is efficient and effective to co-locate with St Paul’s at Box Hill South – access to sufficient meeting spaces and carparks are two physical benefits, and there is also the opportunity to make a strong Lutheran presence in the Eastern suburbs.  The Partnership (clarified in a Memorandum Of Understanding in mid-2019) means we will share some office space, facilities and meeting spaces.  St Pauls have committed significant capital funds to this partnership to construct the new office buildings as a means of contributing to the mission and ministry of the District.

Due to an unsolicited offer initially in December 2020 a little above sworn market valuation (as at June 2021) for District Office at 755 Station Street Box Hill, we now have an agreed and finally signed contract with a medical specialist to purchase the building.  Settlement is in mid-2024.

This means we don’t have to be concerned about any possible economic downturn or fluctuating commercial property values due to the glut of new and established office space generally, and particularly in areas such as Box Hill, along with Docklands and the Melbourne CBD.

Thanks to the Property Working Group, LEVNT and LCAVD and St Paul’s representatives for helping to get this far, and for clarifying the best ways to demonstrate practical stewardship.

We pray God blesses the next phase of the project and all the partnerships.

Stephen Mildred
District Administrator

‘Concordia’ at Geelong Lutheran College

With the positive growth experienced at Geelong Lutheran College, there has been a focus on further development of contemporary infrastructure and resourcing. Construction is nearing completion on ‘Concordia’, the eagerly awaited new Resource Hub at Geelong Lutheran College’s Armstrong Creek campus. ‘Concordia’ boasts dedicated Primary and Secondary library spaces, two classrooms, meeting rooms, staff lounge, and a skywalk connection to the Year 11/12 senior hub, ‘Ngarrwa’.

The modern industrial feel is balanced by the soft colours and tones of nature. Tiered seating in the Primary library offers an opportunity for presentations and shared reading spaces while Secondary students will enjoy the views from designated window seats overlooking the College’s sporting facilities.

GLC Board Chair Mark Gerhardy joined Executive Principal Sue Ellis, Business Manager Paul Riddle and Cade Gardner and Simon Taylor from Lyons Construction recently visited the site to view the progress.

“Concordia will be a fantastic facility to inspire a love of reading and stories in our students and provide a wonderful space for study and research,” Mark Gerhardy said.

Concordia is jointly funded by Geelong Lutheran College and the Victorian State Government, from Round 2 of the Government’s Non-Government Schools Capital Fund with LLL as our financing partner. GLC is looking forward to officially opening the new facility in Term 3.


Pictured: Recent site tour with Business Manager Paul Riddle, GLC Board Chair Mark Gerhardy, Executive Principal Sue Ellis, and Simon Taylor and Cade Gardner from Lyons Construction.


Pictured: Drone shot of Concordia from March.


Pictured: Drone shot of construction from September 2025.


Pictured: Official sod turn in April 2025.

ALC: Equipping people in and for ministry service

It used to be that the majority of students at Australian Lutheran College (ALC) were preparing to commence service in the church after they completed their theological studies and had graduated. This is no longer the case. The majority of ALC’s students are now undertaking study while already serving in congregations, schools or agencies of the church, in all districts of the LCANZ.

In the Victorian/Tasmanian District, Erin Grainger has been serving as Congregational and Migrant Ministry Support Facilitator in the District Office while completing her Graduate Diploma in Divinity, and Pastor Sue Westhorp has been serving the Box Hill congregation alongside Pastor Neville Otto, while she completed her Master of Theology degree. Both women have recently graduated, celebrating their achievements along with other ALC and University of Divinity students at a ceremony in Melbourne last month. Congratulations!

 
Pastor Sue Westhorp (left) and Erin Grainger (right) receive their degrees.

Juggling work, study, and family can be very demanding, but it can also be extremely rewarding, and ALC provides flexible pathways for those choosing to complete an award part-time.

On reflecting on her own learning journey, Erin said, ‘I’m so grateful to be blessed by working in a team at the District Office that honours God and endeavours to keep in mind both Gospel and service. Having recently completed my Graduate Diploma in Divinity with ALC, I’ve now enrolled in a Masters in Theological Studies, so I can keep learning. The studies lend depth, nuance, perspective and unity as we remind each other of the context of why we do what we do. Study has also given me confidence that it’s God honouring to struggle and wrestle, and that in doing so, you don’t just lose the energy of your own will trying to push back on God, you rediscover that God is absolutely bigger and better!’

‘For those of you who are currently working in an agency of the church and thinking of enrolling in study at ALC, I say, just do it! ALC staff are great and are both approachable and supportive! Talk to them. We at the District Office really want to support you too! Ask us questions…tell us what gets in the way of you wanting to study but not getting to it formally. It’s a conversation all the way.’

Enrolments for Semester 2 are now open, so now is the time to start that conversation: contact enquiries@alc.edu.au. And if it’s finances that are holding you back, ALC has scholarships and grants available, including a scholarship specifically to assist students who are already working in a congregation, school or agency of the church. To find out more about what types of scholarships are available, visit https://alc.edu.au/study/higher-education/scholarships/.